Calling Recruiters/hiring managers

[wwwork]

So last week I interviewed at a company which I think went really well - we got on, and was more like an informal chat, and ended very positively.

But it's been a week and I've heard nothing at all. recruiter also claims he hasn't heard anything either but that they aren't looking at other candidates either - what does this even mean? Not even one word of feedback to at least put my mind at rest or to keep me updated on why it's being slow, eg director on holiday or something. Surely if they liked me they'd want to bring me back for a second interview ASAP? Or if they didn't like me just tell me with some feedback..??

This is all too common, but there's little you can do I'm afraid.

You can only put pressure on your recruiter to encourage them to get immediate feedback. If the recruiter can't explain why they have (i.e client is on holiday etc) then they're not doing it.

The only thing you can do, is the oldest trick in the book - "I'm looking at other roles, need to know ideally by X date".

Hi, don't be too disheartened, it could be that the person who makes the decisions is on annual leave, we have just had the bank holiday. It could just be that time of year where things take a bit longer, especially if it's a large organisation with strict processes to follow.

Relax.

Assuming you interviewed last Monday, it’s only been 4 business days.

Sorry- 5!

This is why it’s always good to ask at the end of the interview when you can expect to hear back from them

They could be doing some internal restructures and haven't ironed everything out yet.

This is exactly what happened to me. I didn't hear from them for 2 weeks, then heard it was a no because they weren't going to recruit another person into that role. Then 2 weeks after that they contacted me again and offered me to apply for a different role.

Recruitment can be super quick or take forever. But don't lose out all hope yet.

Thanks everyone, helpful responses. I suppose I just expect too much in a way that just some honest communication as to why it might take a while would be nice. I'm not expecting them to offer me the job within 24 hours, but I also wouldnt expect them to make me wait an entire week with no feedback at all, whether it be positive or negative. Or "lots of holidays this week with key people away so it might be delayed"

I have put a bit of pressure on the recruiter but he just says the same thing. Should another role come up in the market that I want to apply for, then I'll definitely let him know!

@Rainbowshine yes In theory it is good to ask but they're just going to say the same thing which doesn't necessarily mean to be true "a couple days" - I did ask this.

I'm an HR Manager and it could mean any number of things:

• key decision maker is on holiday
• they are trying to schedule a 2nd interview (trying to tie up different people's diaries takes up a surprising amount of my time!)
• they are re-thinking the role
• they are trying to persuade a decision maker to sign off on the budget
• you are there 2nd choice and they have offered their 1st choice and are waiting for confirmation before they decline you
• they are incredibly busy and the recruitment for the role just isn't their top priority this week

etc etc

You also need to consider that the company may be using more than one agency/ recruiter and your recruiter isn't aware of this.

Good Luck! I hope you hear soon.

@Mia1415 thank you that's really helpful - is there a reason why they wouldn't communicate any one of those reasons maybe? Eg budget holder on hols etc. Like why wouldn't they just tell me that to at least keep me happy/keen (if they liked me of course)?

Hi OP, I am a HR Manager who looks after recruitment (which I hate but do it as it's part of the job!). I hate this as a candidate but even worse when I am the other side of it. I am dealing with indecisive managers, roles being changed and the business wanting to see more candidates and...…we are just slow sometimes.

I work with agencies and they will nag us for information so your agency should be pushing for more info for you.

As Mia1415 has listed....it could be any one of those and for us it's usually the last point! I send a lot of 'holding' emails and apologies but we have lost good candidates as the decision makers in our business take too long....they don't change though despite my nagging!

Try not to think much on it - as a candidate I have had this countless of times. Before I got my current role I was on maternity leave and effectively was ghosted by an agency. That same agency called me recently about a role so I gave them a very professional telling off!

Your question above OP....they just haven't yet, it's only been a week and that's not a long time on the other side of it. There are probably a million priorities above you, especially if they don't have a dedicated person looking after recruitment within the business.